No Doubt "Push and Shove"

    It’s safe to say that they left their ska-punk roots before, or around the turn of the century; at least it sounded like it when single choice was concerned. Integrating hip-hop, reggae, and dance into a more pop-oriented sound. If there was still a chance they would go back to their roots, then that was thrown out the window with Push and Shove. They may not sound the same, but the wait for their new album was worth it! No Doubt! They sound as confident as ever, and like an actual band; just a different genre. The highly infectious, reggae-tinged first single can make it easier to “Settle Down” or put you in a good mood. The song is bookmarked by interesting instrumental interludes; the outro has the vibe of the title track from their last album. The energy will make you glad you came, because they are “Looking Hot,” or at least sounding as if the Caribbean is 350; the band is on fire I can even here traces of a slow jam from their last album. The title track may be a favorite of listeners of dance hall, and Major Lazer and Busy Signal add some flare and  credibility for the genre's sake.                                                                                                 It is always a good idea to catch your breath and rehydrate after an hour or so of non-stop dancing; this song is perfect for  just relaxing to the point of falling asleep. The arrangement is slightly dreamy, so don’t bite off my head; take it “Easy.” I’m just drawn in by some of the instrumentals like “Gravity,” and I just want to say hello.  This may not be a sweater song, but you can call it an acoustic one; left “Undone.” You know how those relationships that used to “Sparkle,” eventually fade? This is about one of those relationships, but the reggae, horn–infused sound still keeps the idea that it can work even if  “I know it’s never gonna be the way it was.” It's not. They are not only , more or less, “Dreaming the Same Dream,” but living it. The song is not about that though; maybe it’s like this album’s version of don’t speak, even though that was long ago. My Favorites: Settle Down, Looking Hot, Push and Shove, Undercover, Sparkle, and Dreaming the Same Dream.